Looking Towards Fall
I would like to start by giving a big thanks to all of you who attended our Marinnovation 2015 event on September 15th. We had a record number of exhibitors and attendees, and from the responses we have received, participants felt it was a highly successful event. MEF staff and volunteers work incredibly hard to make Marinnovation run smoothly each year, and we thank everyone who contributed to this year’s success!
As we move from Summer to Fall, the weather is a big topic for everyone in the region. As the Valley fire is brought under control in Lake County, the impact on the local economy will begin to come into focus. This devastating fire has scorched over 76,000 acres and has decimated many communities in Lake County. To date, it is being ranked as the third most destructive fire in the history of California. While the total cost of the destruction is yet to be determined, the impact of the fire will be felt across the entire North Bay, and into Marin. In the short term there is likely to be an inflow of labor as displaced workers look for new job opportunities, which in turn may be temporary or may become permanent. Looking long term, as communities and businesses in Lake County rebuild, there will be increase in demand and outflow of local contractors, construction workers and building materials. However all of this plays out in the coming months, we wish a speedy recovery for everyone affected by the Valley fire.
While weather scientists are predicting a strong El Nino this winter, the four-year drought impacting California has certainly been felt locally. At this year’s 12th annual Forecasting the Future Marin Economic Conference – being held October 29th at the Embassy Suites in San Rafael – an esteemed panel with representatives from Heritage Landscape, Kaiser Permanente, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company and the Marin Municipal Water District will be discussing the impact of the drought on their businesses, and beyond. The event’s agenda also includes a forecast of the national and Marin economies by MEF’s own Chief Economist Dr. Robert Eyler. Keynote Speaker Mac Taylor, California Legislative Analyst, will be presenting “Elections 2015-Effects on the Economy into 2016 and Beyond.” More information and registration information can be found on the San Rafael Chamber’s website.
